Bette-Jean Butrim

Bette-Jean Butrim, 68, of Chatham, Massachusetts, passed away on June 24, 2025 at Cape Cod Hospital in Hyannis, Massachusetts after a lengthy illness.  Bette-Jean was affectionately nicknamed “BJ” by her family, and in later years, referred to herself as “Jeannie” although she was always “BJ” to those who knew and loved her dearly.  BJ was born in Wickford, Rhode Island when her father was stationed at NAS Quonset Point.  She resided in various places, domestic and abroad due to her father’s military status.  Her father completed his military service in Pensacola, Florida where BJ finished high school (Escambia High School) and where she ultimately met and married her husband.  BJ converted to and joined in her husband’s Catholic faith at the onset of their married life.  They moved throughout the United States pursuing their business endeavors, working side by side at times in the restaurant industry.  As they continued their journey together, they ultimately settled in New Hampshire, working and raising their two young sons, Christopher and Sean.  Around the year 2000, BJ and her two sons made their way from New Hampshire to Chatham, Massachusetts.  It seemed like coming home as BJ had enjoyed many trips to the Cape as a child herself between her father’s military assignments, summers and holiday visits.  Her grandparents, James A. and Margaret Woodland were longtime residents of Oyster Pond Furlong and many Aunts and Uncles were scattered throughout the Cape as well.  BJ loved the Cape and all that it had to offer a mother still raising her children.  Its relaxed coastal atmosphere and rich history and culture as well as the quaint community life in Chatham provided an opportunity for her to make a home for them, even working for a period of time at Chatham Village Market.  BJ was a very social person and although the majority of her family lived out of state, she treasured the friendships she made along the way, considering many part of her new family dynamic.
  BJ is survived by her two sons, Christopher R. (Kari) Butrim, of Myrtle Creek, Oregon and Sean F. Butrim of Chatham, her mother, Patricia A. Clark (formerly Woodland), of Pensacola, Florida and her siblings, her sister, Linda L. (Ricky) Johnson of Pensacola, Florida and her brothers, Keith D. (Christiane) Clark of Navarre, Florida and Steven A. (Margaret) Clark of Pensacola, Florida (currently on military assignment in The Netherlands).  BJ also had a very special relationship with her Uncle Hal (Harold W. Clark) and Aunt Wenda.  Their mutual love of a good fried clam dinner and conversation surrounding yard sale treasures made for a very entertaining meal.   BJ also had four nieces, Rachael, Nichole, Christian and Sydni as well as one nephew, Andrew, whom were very special to her and she loved them deeply.  Although BJ did not have her own grandchildren, she was blessed with one Great Nephew, Jensen, and three Great Nieces, Sloane, Nari, and Emery.  BJ loved to hear about their latest adventures and watch them grow even if it was through photographs shared amongst family.  BJ was predeceased by her father, Donald D. Clark, whom she shared her love of the Boston Red Sox with.  They rooted on their team with shared gusto and loyalty.
  BJ will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her dearly.  She had a fighting spirit, a loving nature and her family meant everything to her, as she did to them.
  A family gathering will take place at a later date.
  Notes of comfort to her family may be made at www.ChapmanFuneral.com